Detailed Scholarly Analysis
Detailed Analysis: Surah Al-Baqara Ayah 71
Explore comprehensive scholarly analysis, linguistic insights, and practical applications of this verse from the Holy Quran based on classical and contemporary Islamic scholarship.
Introduction
Al-Baqarah 2:71 provides the climactic conclusion to the cow sacrifice narrative, presenting the final detailed specifications and the people's eventual, though reluctant, compliance. This verse demonstrates both divine precision in guidance and human tendency toward reluctant obedience even when guidance is perfectly clear.
Translation Overview
The verse contains precise technical terms: 'la dhalul' (not broken/trained), 'tuthiru al-ard' (plow the earth), 'tasqi al-harth' (water the crops), 'musallama' (sound/healthy), and 'la shiya fiha' (no spot/blemish). The people's declaration 'al-ana ji'ta bil-haqq' (now you brought the truth) and the conclusion 'wa ma kadu yaf'alun' (they almost did not do it) capture both recognition and reluctance.
Classical Interpretation
Ibn Kathir explains that 'la dhalul' means not broken or trained for work, indicating a cow in its natural state. Al-Qurtubi notes that the combination of all specifications created a very precise requirement that was difficult but not impossible to fulfill. Al-Tabari emphasizes that their statement 'now you brought the truth' shows they finally understood exactly what was required, while their reluctance ('wa ma kadu yaf'alun') reveals the human tendency to delay obedience even when guidance is clear.
Linguistic Analysis
The Arabic 'dhalul' comes from the root meaning submissive or broken for work. 'Musallama' indicates soundness and safety from defects. 'Shiya' refers to any mark, spot, or blemish that breaks the uniformity. The phrase 'ma kadu yaf'alun' uses the verb 'kada' to indicate they were close to not doing it, emphasizing their reluctance despite clear guidance.
Historical Context
According to classical sources, these final specifications made finding the cow extremely difficult and expensive. The combination of being untrained, healthy, of perfect color, and without any blemish meant only a very special cow would qualify. Their reluctance was partly due to the cost and difficulty of finding such a cow, which resulted from their excessive questioning.
Related Hadiths
Classical scholars reference various reports about the importance of complete obedience to divine commands without delay or reluctance. The principle that excessive questioning can make religious duties more difficult is emphasized in prophetic traditions about following divine guidance straightforwardly.
Practical Applications
This verse teaches believers about the importance of accepting divine guidance completely without unnecessary delay or reluctance. It demonstrates that Allah's specifications are always achievable, though they may require effort and sacrifice. The verse also warns against the tendency to delay obedience even when guidance is perfectly clear.
Scholarly Insights
Scholars note that this verse demonstrates divine mercy even within precision - Allah provided exactly the guidance needed despite the people's excessive questioning. The reluctance shown teaches about human nature and the need to overcome personal resistance to divine commands. The successful completion shows that Allah's guidance, no matter how detailed, is always achievable.
Cross References
This verse concludes the sequence that began in 2:67 and connects to other passages about complete obedience (24:51) and the importance of following divine guidance without delay (2:208). The theme of detailed divine specifications appears in other ritual contexts throughout the Quran.
Conclusion
Al-Baqarah 2:71 teaches that divine guidance reaches perfect precision when needed, that human reluctance is natural but must be overcome, and that Allah's commands are always achievable despite their apparent difficulty. It demonstrates the completion of divine guidance and the ultimate necessity of submission.
Note: This analysis is compiled from authentic Islamic sources and scholarly interpretations. Always consult qualified Islamic scholars for religious guidance and understanding.